Divine Mercy University Recommended for Newman Guide as First Catholic Graduate Psychology Program

The Cardinal Newman Society has recommended Divine Mercy University for inclusion in The Newman Guide, making it the first Catholic graduate program specializing in psychology and counseling to receive this recognition and one of only seven graduate institutions nationwide to achieve this honor. Kelly Salomon, Vice President of Newman Guide Programs at The Cardinal Newman Society, stated that the organization is thrilled to hold up Divine Mercy University as a model of faithful Catholic education, emphasizing the importance of this recognition for Catholic families seeking quality education that aligns with their values in a society that often challenges traditional Catholic understanding of the human person.

The Newman Guide's recommendation is based on criteria derived from various Church documents, including guidance from Church councils, popes, Vatican congregations, bishops conferences, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, ensuring that recommended institutions adhere to the highest standards of Catholic education. Fr. Charles Sikorsky, LC, President of Divine Mercy University, welcomed the recognition, noting the university's history of attracting students from Newman-recommended undergraduate institutions and expressing hope that this recommendation would encourage more students to pursue graduate education at DMU, contributing to the formation of mental health professionals grounded in Catholic teachings.

Divine Mercy University, founded in 1999 as the Institute for the Psychological Sciences, offers graduate programs including a Doctoral (Psy.D.) degree in Clinical Psychology, a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Psychology, a Doctoral (Ph.D.) in Counselor Education and Supervision, and a Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling, with a mission centered on the scientific study of psychology with a Catholic understanding of the person, marriage, and family. This recommendation underscores the growing recognition of the importance of integrating faith and reason in higher education, particularly in fields such as psychology and counseling, and reflects the increasing demand for educational institutions that maintain a strong Catholic identity while pursuing academic excellence.

The inclusion of Divine Mercy University in The Newman Guide is expected to have a significant impact on prospective students seeking graduate education in mental health fields that aligns with Catholic teachings, and may influence other Catholic institutions to strengthen their commitment to faithful Catholic education across various disciplines. As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, this recommendation serves as a beacon for those seeking to integrate faith and professional training in psychology and counseling, challenging other institutions to consider how they can better serve the needs of Catholic students and uphold Catholic values in their educational offerings.